LOS ANGELES — Mick Cronin said he knew he was actually in the Big Ten when, at the conference’s media day back in October, he ran into Michigan State coach Tom Izzo. Izzo is the longest-tenured head coach in the Big Ten. He took over for the Spartans when he was 40 years old. He’s 70 now and in his 30th season at the helm.

This is the Spartans’ first loss outside of Quad 1, but they also have just two wins over teams that would be safely in the field today.

USC men's basketball made a huge statement when the Trojans knocked off No. 7 Michigan State. Making the victory even more significant was the coach on the opposing bench. A Hall of Fame inductee with eight Final Four appearances to his name,

Michigan State continues to get it done without a true star while showcasing a lineup that regularly goes 10 deep. The Spartans are the lone team in the AP Top 25 with only one player averaging double figures in scoring (Jaden Akins at 13.6) and that’s obviously difficult for opponents to scout and defend.